Israeli Families Find 1,500-Year-Old Jug During Hike

IAA archaeologist Dr. Walid Artash stated the Byzantine jar, preserved in its entirety since the 6th-7th centuries CE, was likely used in ancient times to store wheat and legumes.

When the Avidor and Armon families set off for a hike this week in the Nahal Harod river bed in the Beit She’an National Park, they were likely expecting to enjoy the greenery and perhaps see some wildflowers. But the nature walk became a lot more memorable after children Nir and Matan spotted something unusual made out of clay

“We were hiking and stopped to rest on a slope. All of a sudden, we noticed a kind of ‘ear,’ which was the clay handle protruding from the earth,” said mother Tamar Armon. “We were surprised and excited to discover a complete, heavy and beautiful pot.”…

The Beit She’an area is well-known for its archaeological richness. The national park showcases one of Israel’s most spectacular tourist sites, with well-preserved Roman and Byzantine-era ruins, including an impressive 2nd century CE theater, roadway, mosaics and bathhouse.

According to Nir Distelfeld, head of the Israel Antiquity Authority’s theft prevention unit in the northern region, the strong weekend rains in the Beit She’an region must have turned up earth at the vessel’s site of origin. TimesOfIsrael